Xinhua: U.S. conservationist says global cooperation important for desert ecosystems amid climate change
The Joshua trees, an integral part of California's Mojave Desert landscape, with their characteristic spiky leaves and unique branches, are locked in a desperate battle for survival. Increasingly severe droughts driven by climate change, habitat fragmentation due to expanding residential and commercial real estate development, and heightened wildfires all pose dire threats to this iconic and enduring symbol of the U.S. West.
"There are desert and arid ecosystems all over the planet facing similar issues, including in China," Kelly Herbinson, Co-Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that the international community should work together to deal with climate change.
She pointed out that as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the collaboration of groups around the globe is also growing in importance.